Tag: Live

Working in a setting that inspires, is really a no brainer: it just works.

So, we’ve decided to share dream office options and help you make them a reality.

We’ll cover the key elements — and offer options to recreate the vision.

This week we’re breaking down the design genius of Domicile ID’s gold and teal office. With a tinge of the 1960’s — it is a modern throwback with a dash of glimmering polish. It definitely grabbed me right away. (Judging from the reaction on Instagram, it grabbed you as well.)

Element #1: The Desk
If you love a sleek, cool vibe — you cannot go wrong with a Parsons desk. Created at the iconic Parsons School of Design in New York City, this desk is 100% a classic. (Somehow we picture every chic magazine editor sitting at one of these.) We’re big fans.

Parsons desks are available in a wide range of colors — but, somehow in white, it simply sings. Here is a great option from All Modern. There are a number of variations on this classic vibe in their collection.

Element #2: Mid-Century Metal Wall DecorWe love this inspired addition to the design. Luckily this element is enjoying a bit of a resurgence in popularity, so there are quite a few options. If you can get your hands on a vintage piece — go with that. There are currently a number of one-of-a-kind items at Etsy.

Element #3: Light Reflecting Lamps
The pair of lamps atop the credenza, lends a nice dose of symmetry to the design. They are also quite practical — as two lamps offer improved task lighting. They aren’t genie lamps per se, but we think that style would work well.

Like this:

I’ve had many clients express there just isn’t enough time in the day. I first captured my observations about their overwhelm (and behavior) in the post The Ugly Truth About Time Management. The post starts with the somewhat harsh premise, that time issues begin with our own imperfect perspective. Interestingly, it stands as one of my most shared posts.

However, what resonates concerning time management. will vary across individuals. Luckily, there are quite a few TED speakers who have shared their take on the issue. They each offer a unique view of our ever-present tangle with time.

Greg McKweown. Essentialsm. Time and focus are highly interlaced topics. In his talk at Google, McKeown explores how we often hold ourselves back by having too many “good things” in our lives. The result? Even success can actually lead us down a cluttered path — and less, is often better.

Rory Vaden. How to Multiply Your Time. A self-discipline strategist, explains that everything we’ve learned about time management is likely wrong. From the 1950’s on, we have developed a view of time that doesn’t really help us become more effective. The problem? Time management requires us to consider a new, critical construct.

Laura Vanderkam.How to Gain Control of Your Free Time. Somehow when we must make something a priority, we suddenly have the time. Laura Vanderkam unpacks an interesting dynamic, that plays out day after day in our lives.

How do you manage time? Weigh in on the topic in comments.

Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the fragrance. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.

I’m fairly sure that “rebel” is genetically encoded within my DNA — adjacent to the information about my brown eyes and auburn hair.

All my life, I have unconsciously felt the urge to go against the grain. I have a natural repulsion for the “herd mentality”, the pressure to pretend, play along . Even the “fake it to make it” idea, drives me to the brink.

I have tried these tactics — and sadly — it never ends well. Situations became quickly “combustible” or I would feel that I had compromised something very close to my core. Admittedly, this trait hasn’t always served me well. My youth and early adult life are littered with ill-judged decisions and (more than a few) burned bridges. It’s a testament to maturation.

I hadn’t harnessed my rebel nature — I was simply living in it.

As I refine my life design and focus on a conscious, elevated way of living, I have come to manage this source of personal power. The term “rebel” can now be accurately replaced with more productive labels such as “non-conformist” or may I venture to say — “genuinely confident”. (Even though as a rebel, I hate labels.)

If you are at all like me (and you are in need of advice), I have 4 tips to help you harness this potentially problematic wild streak into something powerfully dynamic.

Here you go:

Capture “you”. This exercise is imperative — choose 4 values, adjectives or catch-phrases that you want to use as a life compass and direct your attitude, decision-making and behavior against it. One caveat here. Try to keep it positive. Most “rebels” I know have robust opinions, but lack the focus to really stand for what truly matters to them. Time to figure this out. For example, personally I would want to become: 1) positively powerful, 2) enlightened, 3) perpetually curious and 4) a teacher of truths. I can fit my entire life into those 4 values.

Stand with confidence in what you are for — not just what you are against. Notice I said “confidence, not obstinacy, combativeness or defensiveness. No one is genuinely influenced by any individual who is notoriously negative.

Focus on mastering communication. Think communication is a “soft skill”? If yes, rebels will find a very tough road. Communication is the only route to influence. If you feel that internal drive to make your mark, you need to know the how/what/where/when and why’s of the written and spoken word. (Don’t worry, I can help. Message me with your most burning questions.)

Remember, no one owes you anything. There I said it. It is your life — and only you are accountable. “Rebels” are at their most powerful when they recognize this fact. In this way you can stand for your truths, while knowing you are crystal clear concerning where your accountability begins and ends. This insight will garner boat loads of respect.

Not quite a rebel like me, but know someone who definitely is? Here are 4 tips to employ their greatest strengths, while helping them evolve.

Know that you can rely on them for the truth. Admittedly, the truth may be unsolicited. However, in many contexts, it can be a strength. We need to hear from people who will be forthright and transparent. However, gently remind them to be mindful of the situations where commentary and resistance are not appropriate.

They will likely not fear something different or even taking action. In my line of work, I see many people who are hesitant to make decisions, take risks or fail. “Rebels” generally, have more tolerance for this. Simply, give them some parameters and let them explore.

Many have a discerning eye for gaps. “Rebels” often resist what is expected, safe or the “norm”. So they often hold a perspective where they can see elements that can be improved . Find out what they’re thinking — and why. There may be a better path.

Engage them, but don’t expect them to change. My mind roughly functions the same way as it did when I was much younger. This is because my thinking processes are governed by enduring values. (They are certainly more refined.)

There are many “rebels” among us. I have come to love this part of my personality. It was a long haul — but I am loving my current space.

If you are a self-identified rebel, you can get there, as well.

Read more about it.* (Click on the photo to learn more)

Allison McClintick is a seasoned coach & speaker — specializing in influence and consciousness development. She’s a Mom of 2 (20 years & 6 years), a ridiculously talented house painter, lover of quantum physics and is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology. To balance all that life, work and play — she’s attempting to “think” more effectively with practiced meditation. She’ll keep us updated.

Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the fragrance. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.

Whether you are considering a life or career move — taking that risk and showing up for your dream can be a struggle. Even when we know the path is what you desire. As human beings, it is simply a natural instinct to circle the wagons and protect ourselves.

However, as protection can potentially control our losses, it can also limit our forward progress. Whitney Johnson aptly talks about this iconic dilemma in her HBR post: Always, Always, Always Show Up. (To be honest, her post could have saved my psyche had it been published earlier — when I realized LinkedIn’s Influencer Program included a “follow” button.)

When we guard ourselves too vehemently — we can miss the moments that just might matter.

Like this:

It’s finally Friday. Thank goodness the week is over. I’ve had a very rough one. One thing I can attest to: when things are rough, we require strategies to manage ourselves.

Whether you have run amuck with a mound of negative thoughts — or you are just plain feeling stuck — listening to experts sharing their research and experiences, can help us re-frame our challenges.

This week we’ve once again picked our favorite videos to help you through the rough patches and offer a bit of guidance. Click on the following link to reach our YouTube channel and then find “Playlists”. Happy viewing. Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPobAd0urxAGPaVu4PNWsIQ

Here are our picks:

Developing a Growth Mindset. Psychologist Carol Dweck reminds us, that potential has much to do with our perspective.

How to Make Stress Your Friend. Health Psychologist Kelly McGonigal talks about stress and the beliefs that we hold about that stress.

True Grit: Can Perseverance Be Taught. Angela Duckworth lets us know that intelligence is much smaller part of the story, where achievement is concerned.

Mindy Kaling’s Advice for Young Girls. Actress Mindy Kaling tells us to focus on your art — not the aspects of you that you feel will hold you back.

Getting Stuck in the Negatives (and How to Get Unstuck). Social psychologist Alison Ledgerwood touches on how we are overwhelmingly affected by negative information (loss-focus) — and what it takes to get unstuck.

Do you have a favorite video to add to this list? Let us know.

Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the perfect gift. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.

Like this:

Career exploration really begins within our own imaginations — long before we utter a single word or visit a job site.

The dynamic is often a very quick exercise within our mind’s eye. However, it is a vital step in the career growth process. How we visualize our future matters. When you envision your future. What do you see? An expanded role? Success in that role? Failure?

I happened to be reading an article about mindfulness yesterday — particularly discussions about carving out space between a stimulus that we might encounter, and our reaction to it. (See a discussion of the one-second rule here.) Research has revealed that taking a moment to suspend making a decision, forming an opinion or choosing a behavior, can have a significant impact upon our work lives.

That had me thinking about what we envision as we consider our own abilities or potential in the future.

Conventional thinking tells us that all human beings seek pleasure and avoid pain. Yet, research has shown that our own regulatory focus — or the way we typically approach risk — plays a role. Some of us are more naturally promotion focused and embrace more risk; others choose a safer path and are more naturally prevention focused. (Read more about that here.)

So, when you daydream about other paths, do you dismiss yourself too quickly? Pass over a path that may be fruitful long-term, because of a concern about the risk?

Do you have moments when you consider yourself in a non-reactive way? Moreover, is it possible that a prevention focus holds you back?

We cannot build fantastic career paths, if we cannot fully consider all of the possibilities. Yes, there are inherent risks. However, we can become aware of our reactions to those risks and manage the associated fear.

If you respond with an immediate “nay” when contemplating a pivot or challenge, be mindful of your own natural tendency in that regard. When you pause at that window of possibility — envision yourself succeeding, not drowning — and see what that brings. If possible, be aware of an overactive drive to prevent failure.

I challenge you to hold on to the possibilities just a bit longer.

What steps will you take to help make those dreams a reality?

Do your daydreams help or hinder you? Share your perspective.

Read more about it:

Live.Work.Think.Play shares observations concerning a wide array of topics from running a company — to the perfect gift. It is designed to share lessons learned from a variety of perspectives.

Like this:

Self-love, my liege, is not so vile a sin, as self-neglecting. – William Shakespeare, Henry V.

We rarely reinforce the idea that putting ourselves first is a healthy practice. We might reflect on what that might look like. Rehearse what we might say or do. We may have even explored practicing self-love or even becoming more selfish. Yet somehow, putting ourselves first escapes us.

Well — it could be that our starting point poses the problem. In this case, we need to stop thinking big and start thinking small. To put ourselves first, we must identify our own personal sources of joy. Secondly, we should protect that joy at every turn.

My father would frequently mention the brilliance of the “small things” in life. He would also contend that milestones (in contrast) were much fewer and far between. In retrospect, he was trying to teach a vital lesson concerning joy. The little things in our lives can also bring joy and satisfaction. (He frequently shared his passion for listening to Deutsche grammophon recordings. The Overture of 1812 will always be quite memorable.)

The small things are worth the time we devote to them.

These moments are approachable.

They are attainable.

They are sustaining.

None the less, we let life encroach on these discoveries. We forget them. We fail to indulge in them. It’s almost as if we grant permission to spoil the ending of every great book or movie. You have to protect the joy to come.

I challenge you to make space to put “you” — and put those small things first (in both life and career). Carve out room to include the elements that might bring everyday joy to your world. This is not about ignoring your tasks or responsibilities. It is simply about recognizing a responsibility to yourself.

So.

Protect the roots of joy in your life — wherever and whenever possible.

Recognize (and discern) the importance of the small things. Revel in the joy of a good laugh, your YouTube playlist, or a great New Yorker cartoon.